Objective:

To review the multidimensional mechanism of TGF-β signaling in immune homeostasis, fibrosis, and tumor progression, emphasizing its clinical significance and assessing its prospects and limitations as a therapeutic target.

Key Findings:

• TGF-β maintains immune tolerance and regulates T-cell fate determination under normal conditions, which is crucial for understanding its therapeutic potential.
• Aberrant TGF-β signaling is implicated in fibrosis, tumor immune evasion, and chronic inflammation, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
• Innovative technologies have revealed dynamic characteristics of TGF-β signaling in various cell lineages and microenvironments, providing insights for future research.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting TGF-β face challenges such as toxicity and disease stage dependence, necessitating further investigation into safer alternatives.

Interpretation:

The review constructs an integrated framework to explore TGF-β's role in immune-related diseases and the feasibility of targeting it therapeutically, with a focus on practical applications.

Limitations:

• Challenges in therapeutic strategies include toxicity and side effects, which require ongoing research to mitigate.
• Dependence on disease stage for effective targeting, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in treatment.

Conclusion:

The article provides a theoretical basis for precise intervention in immune-related diseases through TGF-β signaling, underscoring its potential in future therapeutic strategies.